This section of the Appalachian Trail starts as the trail
crosses and follows Arden Valley Road over the NY State Thruway, entering Harriman State Park. There are
over 200 miles of hiking trails located in Harriman State Park. This 7.6
mile section of the AT features Island Pond, Lemon Squeezer, Surebridge Mountain
and Fingerboard Shelter.

This section starts as the trail crosses busy NY
17. The town of Southfields is two miles south along NY 17 and has
lodging, restaurants as well as groceries available. The Southfields Post
Office (zip 10975) is a popular re-supply point with thru hikers. After
crossing NY 17 the AT follows Arden Valley Road and in 0.2 miles crosses the NY
State Thruway. Soon after crossing the Thruway on the bridge,
you'll pass a side dirt road that leads to the large parking area called the Elk
Pen. The GPS coordinates for the Elk Pen is N41 15.875 W74 09.321 for
those who have a GPS devise for their car. You are now in Harriman State
Park. At 0.4 miles (from NY 17), the AT turns right and enters the forest,
leaving the road. Follow the white blazes.

The trail climbs quickly, then descends to cross
the outlet of Island Pond on a footbridge at 1.7 miles. Check out the
stonewalls creating a chute for the outlet here. Soon the trail skirts
Island Pond and you may see some unofficial campsites near the pond. The
trail will soon begin to ascend Island Pond Mountain. It is here where the
trail squeezes between large rocks at 2.3 miles. This is commonly known as
the Lemon Squeezer to AT hikers. At 2.9 miles reach a well marked trail junction.
This is where the Appalachian Trail and Long Path
cross. At 3.4 miles the AT crosses over Surebridge Mountain and soon turns
to follow along Fingerboard Mountain. At 4.4 miles a side trail on the
right leads to Fingerboard Shelter.

The Fingerboard Shelter sleeps eight and has no
privy. Water is scarce at the shelter and the closest dependable water is
the spigot at Lake Tiorati, 0.5 miles to the east along the blue blazed Hurst
Trail. Southbound hikers can bring in their water from Tiorati Circle, 1.1
miles to the north. At 5.5 miles the trail crosses Arden Valley Road.
If you turn right (east) and walk 0.3 miles, you'll find restrooms with water as
well as free showers in the bath house at Tiorati Circle. There are
vending machines and swimming at Lake Tiorati. At 7.6 the AT crosses Seven
Lakes Drive and the end of this section.

Appalachian Trail Hiking Guide - New YorkONLY $8.98Hiking guide with descriptions and maps
for the nearly 90 miles the Appalachian Trail travels in New York. The guide is
broken down by 12 sections of the AT. The book comes to you
delivered as a pdf file via email. Use the buy now button below and we will send you the file via email
usually within 24 hours of receiving payment. Happy Hiking!

Appalachian Trail in New YorkNY 17 to Seven Lakes RoadONLY $1.50Hiking guide with descriptions and maps
for just this section of the Appalachian Trail in New York. The guide comes
to you delivered as a pdf file via email. Use the buy now button below and
we will send you the file via email usually within 24 hours of receiving
payment. Happy Hiking!